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Annuals/clay pots

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Expert: - 11/2/2002


Question
Can I leave empty clay pots outdoors all winter (in Michigan) or will they crack in frezing weather?

Answer
Jack,
Empty clay pots can usually be left outside if they are upside down and are resting on a few small pieces of wood, rather than with the clay on the ground.  This is because damp clay may freeze on the ground and the rest of the pot may thaw, causing it to crack.  They need to be upside down so that no water collects in them, which will later freeze and expand.  The only clay pots that should not be left outdoors are the inexpensive Mexican kind that often have air bubbles in the clay.
I hope this helps!
C.L. Fornari

Annuals

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C.L. Fornari

Expertise

Annuals suggested for specific situations (sun, shade, windowboxes etc) New or unusual annuals are a particular interest of mine, and I grow many of these from seed. I am happy to help problem solve, answer questions about maintenance, and guide you to sources of unusual plants.

Experience

I am a garden writer/speaker/consultant and host of a weekly gardening radio program in the Northeast. I have been gardening all my life for my own pleasure, and started as a professional gardener and garden communicator 15 years ago. I work part-time at a garden center, selling and tending shrubs/trees/annuals/perennials...and doing some propagation and design work. I often think that all these professional activities serve to put a somewhat legitimate framework around a serious case of plant-lust.

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